Smokers find it difficult to give up smoking, even though they know that cigarettes are a health hazard. Recently, more and more people are shifting from paper cigarettes to heated cigarettes such as "IQOS" and "Ploom TECH" that generate less smoke and secondhand smoke from combustion, and the electronic cigarette "VAPE" is attracting attention as even less harmful to health.
Although the mere mention of the word "vape" may make you think that vaping is the same as smoking cigarettes such as IQOS, vaping is a completely different product from heated cigarettes. If you are wondering what a VAPE is and how it affects your health, please take a look at this article.
Unlike paper cigarettes and heated cigarettes, e-cigarette vape products sold in Japan do not use tobacco leaves, but rather enjoy the vapor produced by electrically heating a liquid (liquid). (To distinguish between the two, IQOS and glo are generally referred to as heated cigarettes and VAPEs as electronic cigarettes). However, the sale of liquids containing nicotine is prohibited in Japan, and the vapor from an e-cigarette vape does not contain nicotine or tar, so it is not classified as a tobacco product and is not subject to tobacco tax.
How does an electronic cigarette "vape" work?
A vape consists of a body containing a battery, called a mod, and an atomizer, which is a container for liquid. In the case of heated cigarettes, tobacco capsules containing tobacco leaves are inserted into the liquid part. In the case of a vape, a liquid containing neither nicotine nor tar is inserted, the liquid is heated, and the aroma and taste of the evaporated liquid are enjoyed.
Points to keep in mind when carrying a vape
Be careful not to carelessly put a vape in your bag or pocket as you do with heated cigarettes or paper cigarettes, as the liquid may leak out. This is often caused by overfilling the vape with liquid or by loosely closing the atomizer lid. Also, even in the case of a vape that does not require liquid refilling, be careful of sudden changes in temperature and air pressure, so be especially careful when flying.
Types of Electronic Cigarette VAPE
There are three main types of vape. The liquid type is used by filling the atomizer of the main unit with liquid. Some products are now available that allow you to adjust the amount of vapor, and are recommended for people who want to customize the vape to their own taste. Other types include the cartridge type, in which a cartridge filled with liquid is attached to the main body, and the disposable type, which does not require liquid filling or cartridge replacement.
Vape liquid consists of a liquid made primarily of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavoring. Propylene glycol is used as a base for cosmetics and other products and as a food additive. Vegetable glycerin is mainly extracted from coconuts, and neither is currently considered to have a high potential for adverse effects on the human body if not taken in excess. Various flavoring agents are used by different manufacturers, and there are many types on the market, including some that are made in Japan.
What are e-cigarette "vape" liquid flavors?
There are a wide variety of flavors of vape liquid, including tobacco, menthol, sweets (desserts), and fruit flavors. Tobacco flavors are those that recreate cigarettes, which are recommended for those who want to quit smoking, while sweets (desserts) include vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and other flavors popular among women. The variety of flavors to choose from is one of the attractions of this product.
How to choose an electronic cigarette "vape" liquid
As noted above, there are so many different flavors of liquid from many different vape manufacturers that it is difficult to know which flavor to choose. Those who are looking for a substitute for cigarettes or as a smoking cessation measure can choose a tobacco type without hesitation, but those who are not so inclined should choose according to whether they are looking for sweetness and richness or a refreshing and stimulating sensation. There are also menthol and berry blends, and other mixed liquids.
Vape electronic cigarettes
When using a vape instead of a paper cigarette for the purpose of quitting smoking, some people feel that the vape lacks a throat kick. Throat kick is "the resistance you feel in your throat when you inhale smoke," and it is not impossible to get a kick from a vape. If a product is equipped with a low-resistance coil unit, it is possible to increase the amount of smoke.
As we have mentioned, a vape is not considered a tobacco product under Japanese law. Since the liquid sold officially in Japan does not contain nicotine or tar, it can be said that there is no lung damage caused by nicotine or tar. However, there are some data that show that they are not harmless. So, in what cases will there be health effects?
Use of privately imported liquids
In Japan, the manufacture and sale of nicotine-containing liquids is prohibited by law. However, with the widespread use of the Internet, it is easy to obtain privately imported nicotine-containing liquids. Please note that nicotine-containing liquids can have the same health effects as cigarettes.
Do the ingredients of the liquid produce carcinogenic substances?
As mentioned earlier, the liquid itself is mainly composed of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings, and is currently considered not to be harmful to the human body if not consumed in excess. One of the ingredients, propylene glycol, produces a carcinogen called formaldehyde when heated to a voltage of 5 V or higher, but since the voltage of a vape is about 3.5 V, it is not considered a problem if used as usual.
Reported Harms of E-Cigarette Vape
Although there is little reliable information on health problems caused by vaping, it is true that some serious cases have been reported in which the vape has resulted in the need for artificial respiration. There have also been reports of symptoms such as tachycardia, fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea, but in none of these cases can it be said with certainty that the vape was the cause, since it is possible that there were other factors besides the vape. However, since the history of vape use is still young, the safety of vaping is still under debate, and research results are not yet available. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the main ingredients of liquid, are also substances often used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines, so it is important to note that there is a risk of overdose. It is important to decide whether or not to enjoy them at your own risk.
Compared to paper cigarettes and heated cigarettes, vape e-cigarettes are less harmful to health, but you may wonder about the cost and how long a charge lasts. If you are a smoker, you may want to avoid using a vape brand if maintenance is a hassle. Here, we will discuss the cosmetics, charging, and maintenance of vape.
About the cosmetics and charging capacity of e-cigarette "vape".
Compared to heated cigarettes and regular paper cigarettes, vape liquids, which are not subject to tobacco tax, are more reasonable, so the cost performance is definitely better. However, cartridge-type products can be expensive depending on the product. As for how long a charge lasts, it depends on the battery capacity and discharge capacity of each product, but in general, you will be able to enjoy about a pack of paper cigarettes on a single charge.
How to maintain an electronic cigarette vape
Of course, disposable types do not require any maintenance, but for other types, daily maintenance is necessary because it is an electronic device. Propylene glycol, which is also contained in the liquid component, can be purchased separately and can be used to clean atomizers and other parts that cannot be washed with water. Also, use anhydrous ethanol to wipe off dirt from the mouthpiece and the body.
Electronic Cigarette "Vape" and Fire Alarms
Because vape emissions are vapor, not smoke, they do not react with fire alarms. However, it is important to be careful when using what is called a photoelectric detector among fire alarms. This is the most common type of fire alarm and uses visible light to detect ambient smoke.
E-cigarette "vape" is a luxury item that can be used without worrying about the effects of nicotine, as long as it is manufactured and sold in Japan. There is a wide variety of flavors compared to heated cigarettes, and it is fun to find your own favorite. If you want to quit smoking, why not take this opportunity to switch to an electronic cigarette "vape" since tobacco flavors are also available?